We are over-the-moon to introduce you to our first couple who will be tying the knot with us in the new year ! Amanda + Matthew have the most romantic love story–we can’t wait to share! Read all about their story and get to know a bit more about the lovebirds.
Tell me a little bit about your dating & engagement. When did you meet? How did you get engaged? Etc.
I was apartment hunting with my dear friend Keri in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle on a sunny Saturday in September 2012. After an afternoon of striking out with finding a suitable apartment, Keri encouraged me to check out one last complex. It was a brand new building, still under construction actually and I was really not into it from the beginning. I remember complaining to Keri about the name, “Expo”. Keri patiently insisted and we proceeded to take a tour.
To my surprise, the apartment was PERFECT and within a matter of minutes I felt excited, encouraged, and ready to move in and move on. As I filled out my paperwork in the office and casually chatted with the leasing agent who was helping me, I saw Matthew out of the corner of my eye. He was sitting at a desk as well, helping future residents get ready for their move in. Matthew had the biggest smile on his face and I felt this current run through me. I had given up on love and wasn’t noticing any men in general, but oh my, did I notice him!
One of the features of the complex was a social media forum where residents could create a profile, include information about themselves, and even use the site as a way to communicate with fellow neighbors or the leasing office. I found Matthew’s profile and was immediately reminded of how handsome he was. But it didn’t stop there! I had discovered that he was a Californian and, even more, had recently moved from Orange County. I was elated! I began typing an insanely, over-enthusiastic message to him about noticing his profile, and who I was, and how we should obviously hang out and start dating and get this romance thing going…Probably about ten sentences in, my better judgment starting yelling at me and I decided against the message altogether.
Throughout the next 4 months I rarely saw Matthew and, because of this, he had sort of slipped from my mind. It wasn’t until late January when Matthew and I finally had our first conversation and sparks began flying! I had come into the leasing office to pick up a package and what should have taken 2 minutes turned into a 45-minute exchange of flirtatious chatting. The Baltimore Ravens were expecting to play against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl that year and because my brother Lucas had taught me that food, sports, and beer were great topics to talk to guys about I figured this was a good icebreaker.
When Matthew mentioned that he would be rooting for the “Whiners” because of familial fans and being from California, I responded with a shocked, “What? You’re from California? Me too!” (Don’t worry I later confessed all of this to Matthew). We talked, we laughed, and we clicked. I felt giddy. Not only was he handsome, but his personality was also amazing and we actually had a lot in common. I floated back to my apartment, logged on to Amazon.com, and arranged for two more packages to be delivered within the week.
It would be only the next time I visited the leasing office that Matthew would offer to walk me back upstairs to my apartment; he opened every building door for me and even knew what button to press in the elevator for my floor…smooth guy, right? At my door he asked if I ever go out around the area and if he could take me out to dinner sometime. I told him I would like that very much and we made plans for a few days out. I remember our first date like it was yesterday. Matthew proved to be just as wonderful as I hoped. Our conversation flowed so smoothly and it felt like we had known each other for a long time.
The rest is truly history. Matthew later admitted to having his radar set on the “cute girl in #450”, it was her alluring profile picture that started it actually, and he couldn’t believe how far back my interest in him began. I tell him, “When I first saw you, I saw us”. We often talk about our “early days” and I always ask Matthew, “How did you know I was the one?” He tells me I’m the whole package. He loves that I am a teacher, an Angels fan, and how much I make him laugh. My favorite though is when he says he knew because of the way I make him feel.
How Matthew Proposed (In his words):
Saturday, July 26, 2014 – Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie
After our first date, I knew that I had found someone special. It didn’t take long for us to make it official, and for our 6 month anniversary, I took Amanda to the Salish Lodge Resort and Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington for a weekend of rest and relaxation. We had such an amazing time that it seemed only natural to propose to her there a year later.
Amanda had a feeling that the proposal was coming soon, so I was trying to keep her off my trail. She came home from school on a Saturday afternoon and I told her that she had one hour to pack a bag for a weekend away. As soon as we started heading east, she knew where we were going! I tried to keep her guessing by telling her that we had no plans whatsoever; that we could sleep in as late as we wanted and spend the day doing whatever she wanted to do. We only had a reservation for dinner that night.
We spent the afternoon relaxing until our dinner date. We had an amazing meal, but I could see a little disappointment on Amanda’s face by the time we were closing out. It worked! She was certain that there would be no proposal that night. I closed out at the restaurant and suggested that we head back to the room and get into some comfortable clothes and Amanda reluctantly agreed. When Amanda opened the door to our room, she stopped in the doorway. I had made arrangements for the hotel staff to lay rose petals all over the room and leave a bottle of champagne on ice for us while we were at dinner! She turned around to ask me what was going on and saw me on bended knee! I presented the ring and asked her if I could have the honor of spending the rest of my life by her side. She said “yes” and July 26th, 2014 became the best day of my life…so far!
What activities & hobbies do you and your fiancé enjoy in your free-time?
Matthew and I enjoy both playing and watching sports. We play on a recreational kick-ball team and can be found playing catch with each other at the Seattle Center on the weekends when the weather is nice. Baseball is our favorite sport to watch and during the season we typically attend 5-8 games at Safeco…. Especially when the Angels are in town! We love being outdoors; hiking and taking picnics. We enjoy relaxing on the couch with each other, drinking wine, and watching movies.
What is your favorite love song?
His: “The Girl” by City and Colour
Hers: “Please Forgive Me” by David Gray
What is your favorite food?
His: Fettuccini Alfredo
Hers: Burritos
How would you describe the “feel” of your wedding?
His: Fun and Exciting
Hers: Romantic and Fun
We are completely giddy for Amanda + Matthew!
Jen cannot wait to celebrate with you at the Edgewater Hotel in February!
Photography Credit | Carina Skrobecki Photography
Until next time!
Danae
